Qatar considers entering into privatization programme in Kazakhstan

On Thursday, the Qatari Businessmen’s Association revealed that Qatari companies are studying the possibility of participating in Kazakhstan’s privatization programme to enter the energy sector.

Faisal bin Kassim Al-Thani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatari Businessmen’s Association, said that in more than one meeting, delegations from Kazakhstan presented to the private sector and Qatari government and private companies 40 investment projects, valued at $4.6 billion in agriculture, mining industry, petrochemicals, tourism infrastructure development, livestock, dairy production, infrastructure development and other projects.

He stressed the importance of establishing a joint business council between businessmen in the two countries, which facilitates communication and identification of opportunities, and promotes opportunities for establishing effective partnerships between Qatari and Kazakh companies, according to Qina.

In recent years, Qatari businessmen had explored investment opportunities in Central Asian States, through reciprocal visits and bilateral meetings between businessmen and private companies.

The President of the Qatari Businessmen’s Association stated that Qatari investments were estimated at $113 million in Kazakhstan, including $100 million for the Qatar Infrastructure Investment Authority and $13 million for the Qatar Development Fund.

The QIA had initiated funding for the Republic of Kazakhstan’s $100 million infrastructure fund, and there were very strong relationships with the Qatar Development Fund, which had funded a $13 million school project in the capital, Astana.